Advancing trade and connectivity across the Asia-Pacific is high on the agenda as the First Senior Officials' Meeting and Related Meetings of APEC China 2026 take place in Guangzhou from February 1 to 10.

With trade protectionism resurging worldwide — marked by rising tariffs and deepening economic fragmentation — questions are growing over the future of free trade in the region.

In this episode of Didi at the Hall, we examine whether APEC still matters. Through on-the-ground reporting and interviews with policymakers, scholars, and business leaders, the program explores how the forum is navigating mounting global headwinds — and the role China is seeking to play, as host of APEC 2026, in sustaining a vision of openness and regional cooperation.